The difference between modern and contemporary art can be understood through their historical contexts and aesthetic approaches. Modern art, which developed primarily during the 1890s to the 1920s, encompasses movements such as Impressionism, Futurism, and Post-Impressionism, with notable artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Paul Gauguin. This period was characterized by being an avant-garde artistic movement, which sought to break with the traditions of the past and explore new forms of expression, whether through abstract art or figurative art. The definition of modern art focuses on innovation and challenging the established order, aspects that are reflected in the works of sculptors such as Julio González.
Contemporary art, on the other hand, refers to artistic practices that emerge from the 1920s to the present, and is characterized by its plurality and its inclusion of diverse currents such as pop art and conceptual art. In this context, art galleries become key spaces for the dissemination of new art, where a group of contemporary artists explore social, cultural and technological themes. The free encyclopedia of the art world offers a guide to understanding how these currents have evolved and how they have influenced each other, allowing viewers to delve into the content of the works and their meaning within contemporary art.